A warm, buttery crust cradling sweet, spiced apples, these mini apple pies are like tiny hugs for your taste buds. Picture the smell wafting through your home, luring everyone to the kitchen with promises of autumn in every bite.
These delightful mini apple pies are perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings on the couch. They transport me back to my childhood when my grandma and I would bake together, laughter echoing as we fought over who got to sprinkle sugar on top.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These mini apple pies are a breeze to prepare, making them perfect for any occasion
- Their irresistible flavor combines sweetness and warmth with a hint of spice
- Visually charming, they add a festive touch to any table
- You can easily customize the filling based on seasonal fruits or personal preferences
My friends still rave about how I surprised them with these mini delights at my last dinner party.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pie Crust: A flaky pre-made pie crust saves time, but homemade is always an option for those ambitious bakers.
Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the best flavor.
Brown Sugar: This adds rich caramel notes to the filling; don’t skimp on it!
Cinnamon: A warm spice that elevates the apple flavor; freshly ground cinnamon offers an even bolder taste.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds depth and warmth; it’s like a hug from grandma in spice form.
Butter: A must for that delicious richness in the filling; use unsalted for better control over seasoning.
Lemon Juice: Brightens up the flavors and prevents browning in your apples; fresh-squeezed is best!
Egg Wash (optional): An egg mixed with water creates a golden sheen on your mini pies; totally worth it for presentation!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your pie crust on a floured surface until thin enough to cut into circles—about 4-5 inches in diameter.
Make Your Filling: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and melted butter. Toss until everything is well coated and fragrant.
Assemble Your Mini Pies: Grease your muffin tin lightly. Place the dough circles into each cup and fill generously with the apple mixture—don’t be shy here!
Cover and Seal Your Pies: Cut additional small circles or strips from leftover dough to create tops for your pies. Seal edges by pressing down with a fork; this also adds a cute design!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Brush tops with egg wash if using. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. The aroma will drive you wild!
Cool and Serve!: Allow mini pies to cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat!
Enjoy the satisfying crunch of crust meeting tender apples—pure bliss!
You Must Know
- Mini apple pies are not just adorable; they pack a flavorful punch
- These bite-sized delights make for perfect snacks or desserts, and the aroma while baking will have everyone flocking to your kitchen
- With a sprinkle of cinnamon, they’re simply irresistible!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping your dough while the apples simmer with sugar and spice. This allows flavors to meld perfectly and saves time when assembling.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding nuts or raisins to the filling for added texture. A pinch of nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile wonderfully.
Storing & Reheating
Store mini apple pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for five minutes to restore crispness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness
- Ensure your pie crust is chilled before rolling out; it makes handling easier
- Don’t overfill your mini pies, as they may burst during baking
Baking mini apple pies reminds me of cozy family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and everyone eagerly waited for these treats to come out of the oven.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pie crust for mini apple pies?
Yes, using store-bought pie crust can save time without sacrificing taste.
What types of apples work best for mini apple pies?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for balancing sweetness.
How long can I freeze mini apple pies?
You can freeze them for up to three months before baking, preserving freshness and flavor.
Mini Apple Pies
Indulge in the delightful experience of these mini apple pies, featuring a flaky crust and a sweet, spiced apple filling. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights, these bite-sized treats evoke the comforting aroma of autumn and childhood memories spent baking with loved ones. Easy to prepare and customizable, they are sure to become a favorite dessert at any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 mini pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade)
- 3 cups sliced apples (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh-squeezed)
- 1 egg (for wash, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crust on a floured surface, cutting into circles about 4-5 inches in diameter.
- In a bowl, mix sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and melted butter until well combined.
- Grease a muffin tin lightly. Place dough circles in each cup and fill generously with the apple mixture.
- Use extra dough to create tops for the pies and seal edges with a fork.
- Brush with egg wash if desired. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before removing from the tin. Serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie (50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For added texture, consider incorporating chopped nuts or raisins into the filling. Make sure to chill your pie crust before rolling it out for easier handling. Store leftover pies in an airtight container for up to two days or freeze for up to three months.
